London's Latin community given a place to call home in final major project

A Southampton Solent University Interior Design student has created a bold and heartfelt tribute to London's Latin American community, reimagining a lost cultural landmark and designing a space where her community can truly feel at home.

Elephant and Castle in South London has been home to one of the UK's most vibrant Latin American communities since the 1970s, when migrants from across the continent first put down roots in the area.

But in 2020, the demolition of the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, a beloved hub for Latin-owned businesses, restaurants and community life, dealt a significant blow to a community already facing the pressures of gentrification and rising costs of living.

Alexandra Baeta, a final-year BA (Hons) Interior Design student and Venezuela-native, has responded to that loss with her Final Major Project. A community hub and residential project designed to reintegrate and represent the Latin American community in Elephant and Castle.

"The Latin community has been in Elephant and Castle for decades," she says. "When the shopping centre was demolished, so much of that was taken away. The businesses, the meeting places, the sense of belonging. I wanted to design something that gave it back."

The project, titled Latino Corner, is built around a philosophy Alexandra calls 'feel like home.’ A community-centred design approach that prioritises accessibility, affordability and flexibility above all else.

The project envisions a space where Latin American businesses can start again with lower rents and room to grow, alongside affordable housing that allows long-standing residents to remain in an area they have called home for generations.

Her design choices reflect the realities of the community she is designing for. Materials are durable but cost-effective, ensuring the space remains viable long-term without placing financial burden on its users.

The layout is flexible and adaptable, allowing businesses to evolve and expand as they find their footing.

Throughout the project, environmental consciousness runs as a thread, with the local wildlife and green surroundings of the area considered as part of every decision.

"I wanted the design to be accessible for everyone," Alexandra explains. "It had to be something that works for people at different stages. Whether you're just starting a business or looking for somewhere to feel part of a community again."

The project was showcased at Solent's Degree Show, where Alexandra had the opportunity to present the culmination of three years of study to tutors, peers and industry visitors.

With her studies now complete, Alexandra is looking ahead to a career as a detail designer, bringing the same community-first thinking into her professional work.

Interior Design at Solent encourages students to explore human-centred design, spatial thinking and the social power of built environments. Find out more here.